House of Monsters Celebrated Three Years in San Antonio
The horror-themed shop at 517 E. Woodlawn Ave. has marked three years of operating its brick-and-mortar storefront.
Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Local Shops
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House of Monsters, a novelty shop specializing in horror memorabilia, celebrated its three-year anniversary at its San Antonio location on October 12, 2026. The store has become a destination for fans of genre films and collectibles since moving into its physical space near the St. Mary's Strip.
Why it matters
The shop provides a specialized retail hub for horror enthusiasts in the local community, continuing a business trajectory that began in 2009. Maintaining a consistent physical presence allows the business to anchor its seasonal operations which peak between late August and Halloween.
The shop has occupied its location at 517 E. Woodlawn Ave. for three years. It serves customers Wednesday through Sunday, with standard operating hours from noon to 8 p.m.
The players
Courtney Johnston
Co-owner of the San Antonio horror-themed shop.
Chris Ott
Co-owner and primary designer of the store's proprietary horror-themed merchandise.
The details
The store curates a collection of horror movie memorabilia, ranging from vintage VHS tapes and DVDs to graphic tees and signed action figures. Co-owner Chris Ott designs much of the merchandise sold, leaning into the store's focus on unique horror novelties and costume masks. The business transitioned from its roots as a traveling vendor at wrestling shows and conventions to a permanent storefront in October 2023.
Timeline
2009: Business began operating at conventions and wrestling shows.
October 2023: House of Monsters opened its physical storefront.
October 12, 2026: Shop celebrated its three-year anniversary.
August through October: Peak operating season for the store.
The Home Front
The transition of House of Monsters from event-based vending to a permanent retail presence reflects the growing stability of specialty niche shops in the local district. This move mirrors wider shifts where independent retailers leverage established fan bases to secure long-term commercial leases.
Residents looking for horror collectibles or unique apparel can visit the shop Wednesday through Sunday to browse the current stock. Consider planning your visit before the end of the Halloween season when the store reaches its highest level of operational activity.
The takeaway
Supporting long-standing local specialty shops helps maintain unique character in neighborhood retail corridors. If you are a fan of horror media, consider checking the store's current inventory for exclusive items designed by local artists.
Further reading
Discover more about unique retail destinations in the area by visiting Local Shops.
Source note: This article includes information reported by MySA.
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